Snap hook

ABSTRACT

A snap hook is provided. A body of the snap hook includes a hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion. The body further has an opening to an inner edge that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion. A gate is pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body. The gate selectively pivots in relation to the body between a closed configuration and an open configuration. A gate holding portion is configured and arranged to be selectively received between at least one wall stop and at least one catch formed by at least one slot in the nose portion of the body to selectively lock the gate in the closed configuration. Moreover, a trigger is further operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch of the nose portion when activated.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/777,287, filed on Feb. 26, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,752,254, issued Jun. 17, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/604,141, filed on Feb. 28, 2012, both with the same title herewith, and both of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Snap hooks are commonly used to connect a safety line relative to a load or a person. Typically, a closed looped end of a snap hook is secured to a safety line and a hook end is secured to a support structure. When used in this manner, tension in the safety line sets the hook against the support structure and the gate portion of the hook end is not required to carry any of the load on the safety line. It is imperative that the gate portion of the snap hook does not unintentionally open during use or a serious injury or death could occur.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a snap hook with an effective and efficient gate locking mechanism.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The above-mentioned problems of current systems are addressed by embodiments of the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification. The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the invention.

In one embodiment, a snap hook including a body, a gate, a holding portion and a trigger is provided. The body has a width that is defined by an inner edge and an opposed outer edge. The body includes a generally hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion. The nose portion terminates in a nose end. The body further has an opening to the inner edge that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion. The nose portion includes at least one slot that extends in from the inner edge of the body. The at least one slot forms at least one wall stop and at least one catch in the nose portion. The gate is pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body. The gate is configured and arranged to selectively pivot relative to the body between a closed configuration where access to the opening to the inner edge of the body is blocked by the gate and an open configuration where access through the opening to the inner edge of the body is allowed. The gate holding portion is operationally coupled to the gate. The gate holding portion is configured and arranged to be selectively received between the at least one wall stop and the at least one catch of the nose portion of the body to selectively lock the gate in the closed configuration. The trigger is pivotally coupled to the body. The trigger is further operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch of the nose portion when activated.

In another embodiment, another snap hook is provided. The snap hook includes a body, a gate and a trigger. The body has a generally hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion. The nose portion terminates in a nose end. The body further has an opening that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion. The nose portion includes at least one slot that forms at least one catch. The gate has a first end that is pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body and a second end that is configured and arranged to be received in the at least one slot of the nose portion of the body to selectively close the opening to the inner edge of the body. Wherein the gate is in a closed configuration when positioned across the opening and in an open configuration when the opening is at least partially unobstructed by the gate. The gate includes a gate holding portion. The gate holding portion is configured and arranged to be selectively held by the at least one catch in the nose portion to lock the gate in the closed configuration. The trigger has a first end that is pivotally coupled to the body. The trigger is operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch when activated to unlock the gate from the nose portion of the body.

In still another embodiment, yet another snap hook is provided. The snap hook includes a body, a gate, a trigger and at least one biasing member. The body has generally a hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion. The nose portion terminates in a nose end. The body further has an opening that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion. The nose portion includes at least one slot that forms at least one catch. The gate has a first end that is pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body and a second end that is configured and arranged to be received in the at least one slot of the nose portion of the body to selectively close the opening to the inner edge of the body. Wherein the gate is in a closed configuration when positioned across the opening and in an open configuration when the opening is at least partially unobstructed by the gate. The gate includes a gate holding portion. The gate holding portion is configured and arranged to be selectively held by the at least one catch in the nose portion to lock the gate in the closed configuration. The trigger has a first end that is pivotally coupled to the body. The trigger is operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch when activated to unlock the gate from the nose portion of the body. The at least one biasing member is positioned to assert a biasing force to retain the gate holding portion in the nose portion of the body by the at least one catch when the gate is in the closed configuration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof will be more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following figures in which:

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a snap hook of one embodiment of the present invention having its gate positioned in a closed configuration;

FIG. 1B is a side perspective view of the snap hook of FIG. 1A having its gate positioned in an opened configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective exploded view of the snap hook of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is a front view of a locking member of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a first side view of the locking member of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C is a back view of the locking member of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3D is a second side view of the locking member of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4A is a front view of a trigger of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a first side view of the trigger of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a back view of the trigger of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4D is a second side view of the trigger of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5A is a back view of a gate of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a side view of the gate of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a front view of the gate of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5D is a second side view of the gate of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a first side view of a body of one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a second side view of the body of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional side view of the snap hook of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional side view of the snap hook of FIG. 1A with the locking member in a disengaging position;

FIG. 8A is a side view of another embodiment of a snap hook of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a side perspective view of the snap hook of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a side perspective view of a gate of the snap hook of FIG. 8A;

FIG. 9A is a side perspective view of another snap hook of the present invention having its gate in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9B is a side perspective view of the snap hook of FIG. 9A having its gate in an open configuration;

FIG. 10 is an exploded side perspective view of the snap hook of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 11A is a side view of the snap hook of FIG. 9A with its gate in a closed-locked configuration;

FIG. 11B is a side view of the snap hook of FIG. 9A with its gate in a closed unlocked configuration;

FIG. 11C is a side view of the snap hook of FIG. 9A with its gate in an open configuration;

FIG. 12 is a side view of a snap hook of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an exploded side perspective view of the snap hook of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14A is a first side perspective view of a locking member of the snap hook of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14B is a second side perspective view of the locking member of the snap hook of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a partial side view of the snap hook of FIG. 12 illustrating the locking member engaging the body;

FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of another embodiment of a snap hook of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of a body of the snap hook of FIG. 17.

FIG. 18A is a first side perspective view of a locking member of the snap hook of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18B is a second side perspective view of a locking member of the snap hook of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19A is a first side perspective view of a gate of the snap hook of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19B is a second side perspective view of a gate of the snap hook of FIG. 16;

FIG. 19C is a front side perspective view of a gate of the snap hook of FIG. 16; and

FIG. 20 is a side perspective view of the snap hook of FIG. 16 with the gate partially opened.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout Figures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a snap hook 100 that is easy to use. In embodiments, the gate 400 is configured to be selectively locked when in a closed configuration. Referring to FIG. 1A, a side perspective view of a snap hook 100 of one embodiment is illustrated. Snap hook 100 includes a body 102, a gate 400, a locking member 200, and a trigger 300. FIG. 1A illustrates the snap hook 100 having its gate 400 in a closed configuration. The gate 400 in an open configuration is illustrated in FIG. 1B. The elements of the snap hook 100 are further illustrated in the exploded view of FIG. 2. Besides the body 102, the gate 400, the locking member 200 and the trigger 300, snap hook 100 further includes a locking bias member 500, a gate biasing member 520, a trigger biasing member 510, a gate retaining rivet 530 and a trigger retaining rivet 540.

The locking member 200 is illustrated in FIGS. 3A through 3D. The locking member includes a base 202 that has a first end 202 a and a second end 202 b. Extending from the first end 202 a is a locking portion 204. In particular, a first portion 204 a extends from the first end 202 a of the base 202. Extending from the first portion 204 a of the locking portion 204 are opposed side portions 204 c and 204 d. A holding portion 204 b (holding tab) extends between the opposed side portions 204 c and 204 d. The first portion 204 a, the side portions 204 c and 204 d and the holding portion 204 b form a locking passage 206. The base 202 further includes a bend 202 c as best seen in FIGS. 3B and 3D. The locking member 200 also includes a pair of legs 206 a and 206 b that extend generally perpendicular to the base 202 in an opposed fashion from the second end 202 b of the base 202. Further extending from the second end 202 b of the base 202 is a biasing member seat 208 designed to hold a first end of the locking biasing member 500 (as illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B). The biasing member seat 208 generally has a first portion that extends generally perpendicular from the base 202 and a second portion that extends generally parallel with the base 202 towards the first end 202 a of the base 202. Each leg 206 a and 206 b further includes a respective lock stop tab 210 a and 210 b. Each tab 210 a and 210 b extends towards each other in generally a perpendicular fashion from a respective leg 206 a and 206 b proximate a mid portion of each respective leg 206 a and 206 b as illustrated in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3C. Referring to the first and second side views FIG. 3B and FIG. 3D, each leg 206 a and 206 b also includes a slot 212 and 214 respectively. Each slot 212 and 214 includes a first portion 212 a and 214 a that is generally rectangular in shape with rounded corners and a second portion 212 b and 214 b that extends from the first respective portion 212 a and 214 a that is generally rectangular in shape having a width that is less than the width of the first respective portions 212 a and 214 a. The slots 212 and 214 in the respective legs 206 a and 206 b are aligned with each other. Also illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3D is that the respective legs 206 b and 210 b terminate in a rounded fashion with a respective flat portion 212 c and 214 c.

The trigger 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4D. The trigger 300 includes a middle portion 304 and first and second side portions 302 and 306. The side portions 302 and 306 extend from respective side edges of the middle portion 304 in generally a perpendicular fashion. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4A through 4D, the side portions 302 and 306 are mirror images of each other having interior surfaces facing each other. Respective side edges of the middle portion 304 that form into the respective side portions 302 and 306 define a width of the middle portion 304. The middle portion further includes a first end 304 a and an opposed second end 304 b. The width of the middle portion 304 bulges out proximate the first end 304 a of the middle portion 304 to form a trigger bias member seat 308. Correspondingly, the first side portion 302 and the second side portion 306 have curved portions 302 a and 306 a respectively that accommodate the bulge portion of the middle portion to form the trigger bias member seat 308. Each of the first and second side portions 302 and 306 have a length defined by respective first ends 302 b and 306 b and respective second ends 302 c and 306 c. As illustrated, the length of the first and second side portion 302 and 306 are greater than the length of the middle portion 304. Proximate the second ends 302 c and 306 c of the side portions 302 and 306 are aligned trigger pivot connection apertures 312 a and 312 b used to pivotally couple the trigger 300 to the body 102 as further discussed below. The first ends 302 b and 306 b of the respective first and second side portions 302 and 306 extend forward at an angle and terminate in engaging faces 310 a and 310 b respectively. The engaging faces 310 a and 310 b are configured to selectively engage and move the locking member 200 as further discussed below.

An illustration of the gate 400 is shown in FIGS. 5A through 5D. Similar to the trigger 300 discussed above the gate 400 includes a middle portion 404 and a pair of side portions 402 and 406. The side portions 402 and 406 extend from opposite edges of the middle portion 404 that define a width of the middle portion 404 in a perpendicular fashion such that inside surfaces of the side portions 402 and 406 face each other. The middle portion 404 includes a first end 404 a and an opposed second end 404 b that define the length of the middle portion 404. Proximate a mid-portion of the middle portion 404 is attached a gate biasing seat 411. The gate biasing seat 411 is designed to engage an end of a locking bias member 500 as further discussed below. The middle portion 404 further includes a gate passage 412 that is positioned proximate the second end 404 b of the middle portion 404. A receiving portion 404 c is formed between the gate passage 412 and the second end 404 b of the gate 400. The receiving portion 404 c is selectively received in the receiving slot 106 of the body 102 when the gate is in a closed position.

The side portions 402 and 406 of gate 400 generally mirror each other in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5A through 5D. Each side portion 402 and 406 includes three sections in this embodiment. The first side sections 402 a and 406 a respectively is positioned proximate the first end 404 a of the middle portion 404. The third sections 402 c and 406 c respectively are positioned proximate the second end 404 b of the middle section 404 while second sections 402 b and 406 b respectively of the side portions 402 and 406 are positioned between the first and third sections 402 a, 406 a and 402 c, 406 c of the respective side portions 402 and 406. Each side portion 402 and 406 includes a width that extends from the middle portion 404 to respective side edges 402 d and 406 d. The middle portion 404 and side portions 402 and 406 form a gate channel 405 in which the locking member 200 is slidably received. As illustrated in FIG. 5A, a width of channel 405 is formed by middle portion 404, sections 402 a, 402 b and 402 c of side portion 402 and sections 406 a, 406 b and 406 c of side portion 406 is varied to accommodate the shape of the locking member 200 received in the channel 405. Moreover, the width of the channel 405 is narrowed less than a width of a corresponding portion of the locking member 200 by the third sections 402 c and 406 c bending in towards each other proximate the side edges 402 d and 406 d. This arrangement retains the locking member 200 within the channel 405 even when the gate 400 is in the open configuration.

Proximate the first end of the middle portion 404, each side portion 402 and 406 of the gate 400 has a tab 408 a and 408 b respectively that extends generally perpendicular from the respective side portions 402 and 406 towards each other. The tabs 408 a and 408 b form a gate slot 410 between each other. The slot 410 receives a portion of the connection portion 102 c of the body 102. Also proximate the tabs 408 a and 408 b and in the first section 402 a and 406 a of the respective side portions 402 and 406 are aligned gate pivot connection passages 414 a and 414 b that are used to pivotally couple the gate 400 to the connection portion 102 c of the body as further discussed below.

The body 102 is further described in view of FIGS. 6A and 6B. As discussed above the body 102 includes a mid portion 102 b that is generally in a hook shaped configuration. Extending from one end of the mid portion 102 b is a nose portion 102 a and extending from the other end of the mid portion 102 b is the connecting portion 102 c. The body 102 includes an outer side edge 102 e an inner side edge 102 d. The nose portion 102 a terminates in a nose end 102 f. The nose portion 102 a further includes a slot 106 that includes a receiving slot 106 a that extends into the body 102 from the inner side edge 102 d of the body 102 in generally a perpendicular fashion in relation to the nose end 102 f. The slot 106 further includes a holding slot 106 b that extends from the receiving slot 106 a towards the nose end 102 f in a generally perpendicular fashion in relation to the receiving slot 106 a. The receiving slot 106 a and the holding slot 106 b form a hook portion 104 having a catch 103 in the nose portion 102 a of the body 102. The body 102 further includes an opening 107 to the inner surface of the body 102 that is positioned between the nose end 102 f and the connection portion 102 c. The opening 107 is selectively closed when the gate 400 is in the closed configuration. The mid portion 102 b of the body 102 includes a trigger pivot connection aperture 112 that is generally positioned proximate the connection portion 102 c.

The connection portion 102 c of the body 102 extends from an end of the mid portion 102 b of the body 102. The connection portion 102 c includes a connection passage 108 which allows a strap, webbing, connector, or the like, to be coupled to the body 102. In one embodiment the connection passage 108 is semi-circular (half-circular) having an arc portion 108 a and a straight portion 108 b. The arc portion 108 a is used to connect the webbing. In this embodiment, the webbing (not shown) is tightly sewn about the arc portion 108 a of the connection passage 108 so that a rotation of the webbing is limited proximately 180 degrees. This configuration reduces the possibility of the webbing rotating up into the locking mechanism causing an unintentional opening of the snap hook 100.

Along the outer side edge 102 e of the body 102, proximate the connection portion 102 c, is a notch 116 that forms a biasing trigger seat for a trigger biasing member 510 further discussed below. Proximate the opening 107 to the inner side 102 d of the body 102, the connection portion includes a gate pivot connection aperture 110. Also proximate the opening 107 is a radially extending surface 117 that radially extends at least partially around the gate pivot connection aperture 110. Proximate a juncture between the inner side 102 d of the body 102 and the radially extending surface 117 is formed a gate biasing notch 122 used to hold a gate biasing member 520 in place. The radially extending surface 117 of the connection portion further includes a radial cut out connection portion 120 that forms a locking member stop 123 at one end and a gate stop 118 at another end. In one embodiment, a hub 111 extends outward about the gate pivot connection aperture 110 to retain the gate biasing member 520 in place as further discussed below. One other feature of the connection portion 102 c of the body 102 is a trigger stop ledge 114 (shown in FIGS. 1B and 2) that extends out from both sides of the body 102 proximate a portion of the connection passage 108. The trigger stop ledge 114 holds the trigger 300 in place when not activated as further discussed below.

Referring to the cross-sectional views illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, as well as the exploded view of FIG. 2, further description of the assembly of the snap hook 100 is provided. The trigger 300 is pivotally attached to the body 102 via a trigger retaining rivet 540 that is passed through the trigger pivot connection apertures 312 a and 312 b of the trigger 300 and the trigger pivot connection aperture 112 in the body 102. The trigger biasing member 510 is positioned between the biasing trigger notch seat 116 in the body 102 and the trigger bias member seat 308 formed in the trigger 300. The trigger bias member 510 biases the trigger to an un-activation position. The trigger stop ledges 114 on the connection portion 102 c of the body 102 keep the trigger 300 from rotating beyond a desired location in relation to the body 102 when in the un-activated position by engaging the respective first ends 302 b and 306 b of side portions 302 and 306 of the trigger 300. When the trigger 300 is in the un-activation position, no force is being asserted on the locking member 200 to counter the biasing force of the locking bias member 500. Hence, when the trigger 300 is in the un-activation position, the holding portion 204 b (tab) of the locking member 200 is held in the holding slot portion 106 b (second slot portion) of the slot 106 in the nose portion 102 a of the main body 102 by catch 103. In FIG. 7B, trigger 300 has been depressed and is in an activation position. In the activation position, the trigger 300 asserts a force on the locking member 200 that counters the locking biasing member 500 which allows the locking member 200 to move up in relation to the main body 102 such that the holding portion 204 b of the locking member 200 clears the catch 103 and the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b of the locking member 200 clear the locking member stop 123 as discussed further below. With the locking member 200 in this position, the gate 400 can be pushed in countering the gate biasing member 520 to place the snap hook 100 in the open configuration.

Also illustrated in FIG. 7A is the lock stop tab 210 a that is positioned in the cutout connection portion 120 adjacent the locking member stop 123 of connection portion 102 c of the body 102. This is the position of the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b of the locking member 200 when the holding portion 204 b of the locking member 200 is locked in the receiving slot 106 b of the nose portion 102 a of the body 102. The lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b engaging the locking member stop 123 provide another locking mechanism to prevent the gate 400 from unintentionally opening. Referring to FIG. 7B where the trigger 300 has been depressed, therein sliding the locking member 200 up in the gate 400, it is illustrated that the lock stop tab 210 a of the locking member 200 has cleared the locking member stop 123 of the connection portion 102 c of the body 102 and the holding portion 204 b of the locking member 200 has cleared the catch 103 of the body 102. The gate 400 can then be opened. In the open configuration, the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b ride on the radially extending surface 117 therein keeping the locking member 200 up in an unlocking position in relation to the gate 400. Only after the gate 400 is repositioned in the closed position (or configuration) with the receiving portion 404 c of the gate 400 positioned proximate an interior surface in the receiving slot 106 a of the nose portion 102 a of the body 102, does the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b slide down into the cutout connection portion 120 proximate the locking member stop 123 of the connection portion 102 c of the body 102 via a biasing force provided by the locking bias member 500. This configuration prevents any false conveyance that the gate 400 is locked until it is properly positioned within the receiving slot 106 a of the nose portion 102 a of the body. Referring to FIG. 3A through 3D, the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b are illustrated as being formed by cutting and bending (punched out) connection slots 212 b and 214 b of the respective legs 206 a and 206 b of the locking member 200. That is just one method of making the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b. In another embodiment, respective aligned passages are placed in the legs 206 a and 206 b of the locking member 200 with a through rivet pin passing there through. In this embodiment, the rivet pin acts as the lock stop tabs 212 a and 212 a. In still yet another embodiment, discussed below, a holding bar 1858 is used instead of the lock stop tabs 210 a and 210 b.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B another embodiment of the snap hook 600 is illustrated. This snap hook 600 embodiment is similar to snap hook 100 discussed above with a slightly modified geometry that streamlines the design and reduces pinch points. Snap hook 600 includes a body 102 with a nose portion 102 a, a mid-portion 102 b and a connection portion 102 c. The snap hook 600 further includes a trigger 300 and a gate 604. The gate 604 of snap hook 600 includes an engaging surface 605. The engaging surface 605 in this embodiment includes a plurality of ridges 606 that provide a gripping surface when the gate 604 is engaged to move the gate 604 in an open configuration.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a snap hook 700. In particular, FIG. 9A illustrates the snap hook 700 with its gate 900 in a closed position configuration and FIG. 9B illustrates snap hook 700 with its gate 900 in an open position configuration. Snap hook 700 of this embodiment includes a body 702 that has a nose portion 702 a, a connection portion 702 c and a mid-portion 702 b that is positioned between the nose portion 702 a and the connection portion 702 c. The body includes an outer side edge 702 d and an inner side edge 702 e. The snap hook 700 includes an opening 721 to the inner side edge 702 e of the body 702 when the gate 900 is in an open configuration. The connection portion 702 c includes a connector passage 708 that is generally semi-circular in shape in this embodiment. The snap hook 700 further includes a trigger 800 that is configured to unlock gate 900 when depressed, as further discussed below. An exploded view of the snap hook 700 is illustrated in FIG. 10.

The trigger 800 includes a first side portion 802 a and a second side portion 802 b. The first side portion 802 a is coupled to the second side portion 802 b via mid activation portion 804 that is coupled along edges of the respective first and second side portions 802 a and 802 b. In the embodiment of FIG. 10 the first and second side portions 802 a and 802 b of the trigger 800 are mirror images of each other. Proximate a first end 807 a of the first side panel 802 a is a first connector aperture 808 a. Similarly, proximate a first end 808 b of the second side portion 802 b is a second connector aperture 808 b. The first connector aperture 808 a and the second connector aperture 808 b are aligned with a trigger connector aperture 712 in the main body 702 of the snap hook 700. A rivet 810 is then passed through the first connector aperture 808 a, the trigger connector aperture 712 and the second connector aperture 808 b to pivotally couple the trigger 800 to the main body portion 702. The first side portion 802 a further includes a first activation slot 806 a that is positioned proximate a second end 809 a of the second side portion 802 a of the trigger 800. Similarly, the second side portion 802 b includes a second activation slot 806 b that is positioned proximate a second end 809 b of the second side portion 802 b. The first activation slot 806 a is aligned with the second activation slot 806 b. The first and second activation slots 806 a and 806 b are used to selectively lock and unlock the gate 900 as further discussed below.

The gate 900 includes a first side portion 902 a, a second side portion 902 b and a middle engaging portion 904 that is coupled between edges of the first and second side portions 902 a and 902 b. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the first and second side portions 902 a and 902 b are mirror images of each other. The first side portion 902 a includes a first end 903 a and an opposed second end 905 a. The second side portion 902 b includes a first end 903 b and a second end 905 b. A first holding tab 906 a extends from the first end 903 a of the first side portion 902 a in generally a perpendicular fashion towards the second side portion 902 b. A second holding tab 906 b extends from the first end 903 b of the second side portion 902 b in generally a perpendicular fashion towards the first side portion 902 a. A receiving gap 908 is formed by a space between termination ends of the first and second holding tabs 906 a and 906 b. The length of the middle engaging portion 904 is less than the lengths of the first and second side portions 902 a and 902 b such that a nose end receiving opening 912 is formed between a top end 904 a of the middle engaging portion 904, the first and second side portions 902 a and 902 b adjacent the respective first ends 903 a and 903 b and the first and second holding tabs 906 a and 906 b. Each of the first and second side portions 902 a and 902 b further include aligned connection apertures 910 a and 910 b proximate the respective ends 905 a and 905 b of the first and second side portions 902 a and 902 b. A gate rivet 920 passing through the aligned connection apertures 910 a and 910 b pivotally couples the gate 900 to the main body 702 of the snap hook 700 as further discussed below.

The nose portion 702 a of the snap hook 700 terminates in a nose end 720. A pair of slots 724 and 726 extend inward from the inner side edge 702 e of the body portion 702 proximate the nose end 720. Each slot 724 and 726 terminates in a wall stop 729. The pair of the slots 724 and 726 are separated by a central bridge portion 722. The central bridge portion 722 is designed to be selectively received in the receiving gap 908 in the gate 900 when the gate 900 is in the closed configuration. Each of the slots 724 and 726 include a first slot portion 724 a and 726 a respectively, that extends generally in from the inner surface 702 e of the body 702 in a parallel fashion to the nose end 720 and a second slot portion 724 b and 726 b respectively that extends from the respective first slot portion 724 a and 726 a in a direction towards the nose end 720 to form catches 728 a and 728 b in the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702 of the snap hook 700. The first and second slot portions 726 a and 726 b of slot 726 are shown in FIG. 11C. The holding tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 are configured to be selectively received in the slots 724 and 726 when the gate is in the closed configuration. Moreover, when the first and second holding tabs 906 a and 906 b are received in the respective second slot portions 724 b and 726 b of the respective slots 724 and 726, the respective catches 728 a and 728 b lock the gate 900 in the closed configuration as further discussed below. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the catches 728 a and 728 b include a ramp surface 727 a and 727 b to aid in the slots 724 and 726 of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702 receiving the holding tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900. The catches 728 a and 728 b, formed proximate the nose end 720, pass through the nose end receiving opening 912 of the gate 900 when the gate 900 is in the closed configuration.

Snap hook 700 further includes a locking member 950 that selectively locks the gate 900 in the closed configuration with the main body 702 and selectively unlocks the gate 900 from the body 702 when the gate 900 of the snap hook 700 is to be in the opening configuration. When selectively unlocking the gate 900, the locking member 950 moves the first and second holding tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 out of the second slot portions 724 b and 726 b of the slots 724 and 726 so the holding tabs 906 a and 906 b clear the catches 728 a and 728 b and the gate 900 can be moved to an open configuration. The locking member 950 is generally U-shaped having generally parallel first and second side portion 952 and 954 that are generally mirror images of each other. Each side portions 952 and 954 includes a mid fulcrum aperture 952 a and 954 a respectively which provides a pivot connection point to the main body 702. In particular, a fulcrum rivet 960 passing though the mid fulcrum apertures 952 a and 954 a of the locking member 950 and a fulcrum body aperture 730 in the body 702 proximate the connection portion of 702 c of the body 702, pivotally couples the locking member 950 to the main body 702. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the main body 702 includes a generally conical shaped recess 732 (on both sides) that leads to and surrounds the fulcrum body aperture 730. The side portions 952 and 954 include corresponding generally conically shaped inward extending areas surrounding the respective mid fulcrum apertures 952 a and 954 a that are designed to be rotationally received in the generally conical shaped recess 732 of the main body 702 when the mid fulcrum apertures 952 a and 954 a of the locking member 950 and a fulcrum body aperture 730 in the main body 702 are aligned.

The locking member 950 of the embodiment of FIG. 10, further includes a first knob 952 b that extends outward from the first side portion 952 proximate a first end 951 a of the first side portion 952 and a second knob 954 b that extends outward from the second side portion 954 proximate a first end 953 a of the second side portion 954. The first knob 952 b of the first side portion 952 of the locking member 950 is received in the first activation slot 806 a of the first side portion 802 a of the trigger 800 and the second knob 954 b of the second side portion 952 of the locking member 950 is received in the second activation slot 806 b of the second side portion 802 b of the trigger 800. Hence, the first and second knobs 952 b and 954 b of the locking member 950 ride in the respective slots 806 a and 806 b of the trigger 800, as the trigger 800 is moved in relation to the main body 702. The locking member 950 further includes aligned gate connection apertures 952 c (only gate connection aperture 952 c is illustrated in FIG. 10) in the first and second side portions 952 and 954 respectively. The aligned gate connection apertures 952 c are positioned proximate second ends 951 b and 953 b of the respective first and second side portions 952 and 954. The aligned gate connection apertures 952 c of the locking member 950 are aligned with a body slot 940 in the main body 702. The body slot 940 is also positioned proximate the connection portion 708 of the main body 702. A gate rivet 920 passing through the aligned gate connection apertures 952 c of the locking member 950 and the body slot 940 in the main body 702 pivotally couple the gate 900 to the main body 702. The length of the body slot 940 allows the gate 900 to move up and down in relation to the main body 702 to allow the tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate to be selectively received in the second slot portion 724 b of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702 to selectively lock and unlock the gate 960.

The main body 702 further includes a bias notch 716 that is positioned proximate the connection portion 702 c of the main body 702 near the trigger 800. The bias notch 716 abuts the end of a trigger biasing member 970 illustrated in FIG. 11A. FIGS. 11A through 11C illustrate the operation of the locking mechanism of snap hook 700. In FIG. 11A, the snap hook 700 is illustrated with its gate 900 in the closed-locked configuration. In this configuration, the holding tabs 906 a and 906 b are received in the second slot portion 724 b and 726 b such that the holding tabs 906 a and 906 b are held between the catches 728 a and 728 b and the wall stop 729 of the noise portion 702 a of the main body 702. The trigger biasing member 970 asserts a biasing force on the trigger 800 so that the knobs 952 b and 954 b of the locking member 950 are positioned in the activation slots 806 a and 806 b of the trigger 800 in a location that causes the locking member 950 to pull the gate 900 downward to maintain the holding tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 between the catches 728 a, 728 b and the wall stop 729 of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702. In FIG. 11B, the trigger 900 is depressed countering the trigger bias member 970 to unlock the gate 900 from the main body 702. This action, moves the knobs 952 b and 954 b of the locking member 950 in a position in the activation slots 806 a and 806 b of the trigger 800 that causes the locking member 950 to pivot about the fulcrum rivet 960 connection therein pushing the gate 900 upward in relation to the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702 to clear the holding tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 from the catches 728 a and 728 b of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702. A gate biasing member 980 (shown in FIG. 11A) biases the tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 in the slots 724 and 726 of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702 even when the tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 are cleared from the catches 728 a and 728 b of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702. FIG. 11C illustrates the gate 900 in an open configuration. This configuration is achieved once the tabs 906 a and 906 b of the gate 900 are cleared from the catches 728 a, 728 b of the nose portion 702 a of the main body 702, by applying a force on the gate 900 to counter a biasing force supplied by the gate biasing member 980.

Another embodiment of a snap hook 1800 is illustrated in the side view of FIG. 12. Snap hook 1800 includes a body 1802, a gate 1840, a trigger 1830 and a locking member 1820 (illustrated in FIG. 13). In embodiments, the gate 1840 is configured to be selectively locked when in a closed configuration as illustrated in FIG. 12. The elements of the snap hook 1800 are further illustrated in the exploded side perspective view of FIG. 13. Besides the body 1802, the gate 1840, and the trigger 1830, snap hook 1800 further includes, a locking bias member 1870, a gate biasing member 1860, a trigger biasing member 1866, a gate retaining rivet 1864 and a trigger retaining rivet 1836.

The gate 1840 is similar to gate 400 of snap hook 100 described above. Gate 1840 includes a middle portion 1842. First and second side portions 1846 a and 1846 b extend from opposite sides of the middle portion 1842 to form a channel that receives the locking member 1820. The gate 1840 further includes a gate passage 1844 and a holding portion 1845. The holding portion 1845 defines a portion of the gate passage 1844. The side portions 1846 a and 1846 b include respective aligned gate pivot connection passages 1847 a and 1847 b. The gate retaining rivet 1864 passes through the aligned pivot connection passages 1847 a and 1847 b and a gate pivot connection aperture 1810 in the body 1802 to pivotally couple the gate 1840 to the body 1802. In this embodiment, a gate sleeve 1862 is positioned over rivet 1864. Moreover, rivet 1864 passes through the gate biasing member 1860 to help retain the gate biasing member 1860 within the channel formed by the middle portion 1842 and side portions 1846 a and 1846 b of the gate 1840.

The trigger 1830 is also similar to trigger 300 of snap hook 100 described above. Trigger 1830 includes a pair of opposed side portions 1832 a and 1832 b. The side portions 1832 a and 1832 b have aligned bulging portions that form a trigger bias member seat 1835. One end portion of the trigger biasing member 1866 is received within the trigger bias member seat 1835. The other end of the trigger biasing member 1866 is received within a notch 1816 of the body 1802. The side portions 1832 a and 1832 b further include aligned trigger pivot connection apertures 1834 a and 1834 b. Trigger retaining rivet 1836 passing through the aligned trigger pivot connection apertures 1834 a and 1834 b and a trigger pivot connection aperture 1818 in the body 1802 pivotally couples the trigger 1830 to the body 1802.

Similar to the body 102 described above, body 1802 in the embodiment of FIG. 13 includes a mid portion 1802 b that is generally in a hook shaped configuration. Extending from one end of the mid portion 1802 b is a nose portion 1802 a and extending from the other end of the mid portion 1802 b is a connecting portion 1802 c. The nose portion 1802 a terminates in a nose end 1804. The nose end 1804 further includes a slot 1806 that includes a receiving slot 1806 a that extends into the body 1802 from an inner side edge of the body 1802 in generally a perpendicular fashion in relation to the nose end 1804. The slot 1806 further includes a holding slot 1806 b that extends from the receiving slot 1806 a towards the nose end 1804 in a generally perpendicular fashion in relation to the receiving slot 1806 a. The receiving slot 1806 a and the holding slot 1806 b form a hook portion having a catch 1803 in the nose portion 1802 a of the body 1802. The body 1802 further includes an opening 1801 to the inner surface of the body 1802 that is positioned between the nose end 1804 and the connection portion 1802 c. The connection portion 1802 c includes a connection aperture 1808. The gate 1840 is in a closed configuration when the gate is positioned across the opening 1801. The gate 1840 is in an open configuration when the opening 1801 is unobstructed by the gate 1840.

The connection portion 1802 c of the body, proximate the opening 1801 to the inner side of the body 1802, includes the gate pivot connection aperture 1810. The connection portion 1802 c of the body also includes a radially extending surface 1817 that radially extends at least partially around the gate pivot connection aperture 1810. Proximate a juncture between the inner side of the body 1802 and the radially extending surface 1817 is formed, a gate biasing notch used to hold a portion of the gate biasing member 1860 in place (as similarly described above in relation to gate biasing notch 122 illustrated in FIG. 2). The radially extending surface 1817 of the connection portion 1802 c further includes a radial cut out connection portion that forms a locking member stop 1823. In one embodiment, a hub extends outward about the gate pivot connection aperture 1810 to retain the gate biasing member 1860 (as similarly discussed above in regards to the hub 111 of snap hook 100). In the embodiment of FIG. 13, a pair of guide plates 1850 a and 1850 b are mounted on either side of the radially extending surface 1817 via plate rivets 1856 a and 1856 b passing through aligned apertures 1854 b, 1852 a and 1852 b in the respective guide plates 1850 a and 1850 b and body apertures 1811 and 1819. Guide plate 1850 a will have two apertures similar to guide plate 1850 b but only one aperture 1852 a is shown in FIG. 13. The guide plates 1850 a and 1850 b further define the radially extending surface 1817 and the stop 1823. The guide plates 1850 a and 1850 b are used in some embodiments to prevent wear on the radially extending surface 1817 of the body 1802.

The locking member 1820 is further illustrated in the side views of FIGS. 14A and 14B. The locking member 1820 is similar to the locking member 200 of snap hook 100 described above. The locking member, of FIGS. 14A and 14B, includes a base 1822 that has a first end 1822 a and a second end 1822 b. The base 1822 includes at least one bend. Extending from the first end 1822 a is a locking portion 1824. In particular, the locking portion 1824 includes a locking passage 1826 and a holding portion 1824 a (holding tab) that forms a part of the locking passage 1826. The locking member 1820 also includes a pair of legs 1825 a and 1825 b that extend generally perpendicular to the base 1822 in an opposed fashion from the second end 1822 b of the base 1822. Further extending from the second end 1822 b of the base 1822 is a biasing member seat (not shown) configured to hold a first end of the locking biasing member 1870 (similar to biasing member 208 of locking member 200 described above). Each leg 1825 a and 1825 b also includes a slot 1827 a and 1827 b respectively. The slots 1827 a and 1827 b are aligned and in this embodiment have generally parallel sides with rounded ends. Each leg 1825 a and 1825 b further includes a holding bar passage 1829 a and 1829 b respectfully. Holding bar passage 1829 a in the first leg 1825 a is aligned with holding bar passage 1829 b in the second leg 1825 b. The holding bar passages 1829 a and 1829 b are located between their respective slot 1827 a and 1827 b and the second end 1822 b of the base 1822. Referring back to FIG. 13, the gate retaining rivet 1864 passes though the slots 1827 a and 1827 b to slidably connect the locking member 1820 within the channel of the gate 1840. A holding bar 1858 is received in the holding bar passages 1829 a and 1829 b of the legs 1825 a and 1825 b of the locking member 1820. The holding bar 1858 provides the function of the lock stop tab 210 a and 210 b of locking member 200 described above. In this embodiment, the holding bar 1858, when the gate 1840 is closed, engages stop surfaces 1851 a and 1851 b of the guide members 1850 a and 1850 b that are coupled about the radially extending surface 1817 of the body 1802 to help prevent movement of gate 1840. Once the locking member 1840 is moved up with the trigger 1830, the holding bar 1858 is positioned to pass over the stop surfaces 1851 a and 1851 b of the guide members 1850 a and 1850 b and ride on radially surfaces 1853 a and 1853 b of the guide members 1850 a and 1850 b as the gate 1840 is opened.

FIG. 15 illustrates a partial side view of the snap hook 1800. This view illustrates how the locking portion 1824 and trigger 1830 are in mechanical communication with each other. In this illustration, the trigger 1830 is depressed which lifts the locking portion 1824 of locking member 1820 out of the holding slot 1806 b. In this configuration, the gate 1840 (not shown in this illustration) could be rotated into an open configuration. The locking bias member 1870 (a spring in this embodiment) biases the locking member 1820 so that the holding tab 1824 a (shown in FIG. 14A) of the locking portion 1824 of the locking member 1820 is forced into the holding slot 1806 b when not countered by the force of the trigger 1830 being depressed. The function of the locking biasing member 1870 is similar to the function of biasing member 500 of snap hook 100 described above in relation to FIGS. 7A and 7B. In a locked position, the stop 1823 (or stop surfaces 1851 a and 1851 b of guide plates 1850 a and 1850 b) (not shown in FIG. 15) of the radially extending surface 1817 would engage the holding bar 1858 to help prevent the gate 1840 from opening. Hence, the catch 1803 in the nose portion 1802 a of the body 1802 and the stop 1823 (or stop surfaces 1851 a and 1851 b of guide plates 1850 a and 1850 b) both prevent the gate from unintentionally opening.

FIG. 16 illustrates another embodiment of a snap hook 1900. This embodiment also includes a body 1902, a gate 1940, a locking member 1920 and a trigger 1930. The body 1902, as best illustrated in FIG. 17, includes a mid portion 1902 b. Extending from one end of the mid portion 1902 b is a nose portion 1902 a and extending from the other end of the mid portion 1902 b is the connecting portion 1902 c. The connecting portion 1902 s includes a connection passage 1908 (labeled in FIG. 16). The nose portion 1902 a terminates in a nose end 1904. The nose portion 1902 a, in this embodiment, includes a pair of slots 1906 and 1908 that are separated by a center bridge portion 1907. The bridge portion 1907 increases the strength of the nose portion 1902 a. Slots 1906 and 1908 are mirror images of each other. Slot 1906, as shown in FIG. 17, includes a receiving slot 1906 a that extends into the body 1902 from an inner side edge of the body 1902 in generally a perpendicular fashion in relation to the nose end 1904. The slot 1906 further includes a holding slot 1906 b that extends from the receiving slot 1906 a towards the nose end 1904 in a generally perpendicular fashion in relation to the receiving slot 1906 a. The receiving slot 1906 a and the holding slot 1906 b form a hook portion having a catch 1903 in the nose portion 1902 a of the body 1902. To accommodate the bridge portion 1907 in the nose end 1902 a, the locking member 1920 and the gate 1940 are modified from the locking member 1820 and gate 1840 described above.

The locking member 1920, similar to locking member 1820, includes a base 1922 that has a first end 1922 a and a second end 1922 b as illustrated in FIGS. 18A and 18B. The base 1922 includes bends. Extending from the first end 1922 a is a locking portion that includes a first locking portion 1924 a, a second locking portion 1924 b and a locking passage 1926. The first locking portion 1924 a and the second locking portion 1924 b (that make up the holding portion or holding tab) are spaced from each other by a lock member gap 1923. The lock member gap 1923 extends into the locking passage 1926. The locking member 1920 also includes a pair of legs 1925 a and 1925 b that extend generally perpendicular to the base 1922 in an opposed fashion from the second end 1922 b of the base 1922. Each leg 1925 a and 1925 b also includes a slot 1927 a and 1927 b respectively. The slots 1927 a and 1927 b are aligned and in this embodiment have generally parallel sides with rounded ends. Each leg 1925 a and 1925 b further includes a holding bar passage 1929 a and 1929 b respectfully. Holding bar passage 1929 a on leg 1925 a and is aligned with holding bar passage 1929 b of the second leg 1925 b. The holding bar passages 1929 a and 1929 b are located between their respective slots 1927 a and 1927 b and the second end 1922 b of the base 1922.

FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C illustrate gate 1940 of this embodiment. Similar to gate 1840 of the above embodiment, gate 1940 includes a middle portion 1942. First and second side portions 1946 a and 1946 b extend from opposite sides of the middle portion 1942 to form a channel that receives the locking member 1920. The side portions 1946 a and 1946 b include respective aligned gate pivot connection passages 1949 a and 1949 b. The gate 1940 further includes a gate passage 1944 and a holding portion that, in this embodiment, includes a first holding portion 1945 a and a second holding portion 1945 b. The first holding portion 1945 a is spaced from the second holding portion 1945 b by a gate gap 1947. Referring to FIG. 20, the snap hook 1900 with the gate 1940 in an open configuration is illustrated. As illustrated, the lock member gap 1923 between the first locking portion 1924 a and the second locking portion 1924 b (that make up the holding portion or holding tab) of the locking member 1922 is aligned with the gate gap 1947 between the first holding portion 1945 a and the second holding portion 1945 b of the gate 1940. In this embodiment, when the gate 1940 moves to close, the bridge 1907 in the nose end 1902 a of the body 1902 passes within the aligned gate gap 1947 of the gate 1940 and the lock member gap 1923 of the lock member 1922. Once the locking portion of the gate 1940 has been received within the slots 1906 and 1908 and the first locking portion 1924 a and the second locking portion 1924 b are aligned with respective holding slot 1906 b (the other holding slot is not shown in FIG. 20) in each respective slot 1906 and 1908 and the holding bar (such as holding bar 1858 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13) is past the respective radially extending surface (such as the radially extending surface 1817 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13), a locking bias member (such as locking bias member 1870 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 13) forces the respective first locking portion 1924 a and the second locking portion 1924 b into the respective holding slot 1906 b (the other holding slot is not shown in FIG. 20) therein locking the gate 1940.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A snap hook comprising: a body having a width defined by an inner edge and an opposed outer edge, the body including a generally hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion, the nose portion terminating in a nose end, the body further having an opening to the inner edge that is positioned between the nose end and the connection portion, the nose portion including at least one slot extending in from the inner edge of the body, the at least one slot forming at least one wall stop and a hook portion including at least one catch; a gate pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body, the gate configured and arranged to selectively pivot in relation to the body between a closed configuration where access to the opening to the inner edge of the body is blocked by the gate and an open configuration where access through the opening to the inner edge of the body is allowed; a gate holding portion operationally coupled to the gate, the gate holding portion being configured and arranged to be selectively received between the at least one wall stop and the at least one catch of the nose portion of the body, the catch being positioned to obstruct the gate holding portion to selectively lock the gate in the closed configuration when the gate holding portion is received between the at least one wall stop and the at least one catch; and a trigger pivotally coupled to the body, the trigger further operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch of the nose portion when activated.
 2. The snap hook of claim 1, wherein the at least one slot includes at least a first slot portion extending in from the inner edge of the body and a second slot extending generally perpendicular from the first slot portion to form the at least one catch in the nose portion of the body.
 3. The snap hook of claim 1, further comprising: at least one biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate to bias the gate holding portion between the at least one wall stop and at least one catch.
 4. The snap hook of claim 1, further comprising: a first biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate to bias the gate holding portion in the at least one slot; and a second biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate to bias the gate in the closed configuration.
 5. The snap hook of claim 1, further comprising: a locking member pivotally coupled to the body, the locking member being operationally coupled to the trigger, the locking member further pivotally coupled to the gate.
 6. The snap hook of claim 1, further wherein the trigger is operationally coupled to move the gate towards the nose portion of the body.
 7. The snap hook of claim 1, wherein the gate holding portion is part of a locking member that is operationally coupled to the gate.
 8. A snap hook comprising: a body having a generally hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion, the nose portion terminating in a nose end, the body further having an opening positioned between the nose end and the connection portion, the nose portion including at least one slot that forms a hook portion including at least one catch; a gate having a first end pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body and a second end configured and arranged to be received in the at least one slot of the nose Portion of the body to selectively close the opening to the inner edge of the body, wherein the gate is in a closed configuration when positioned across the opening and in an open configuration when the opening is at least partially unobstructed by the gate, the gate including a gate holding portion, the gate holding portion configured and arranged to be selectively held by the at least one catch in the nose portion to lock the gate in the closed configuration, the catch being positioned to obstruct the gate holding portion when selectively locking the gate in the closed configuration; and a trigger having a first end pivotally coupled to the body, the trigger operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch when activated to unlock the gate from the nose portion of the body.
 9. The snap hook of claim 8, further wherein the trigger is operationally coupled to move the gate towards the nose portion of the body.
 10. The snap hook of claim 8, wherein the gate holding portion is part of a locking member that is operationally coupled to the gate.
 11. The snap hook of claim 8, further comprising: a locking member pivotally coupled to the body, the locking member being operationally coupled to the trigger, the locking member further pivotally coupled to the gate.
 12. The snap hook of claim 8, further comprising: at least one biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate holding portion to be held by the at least one catch in the nose portion of the body when the gate is in the closed configuration.
 13. The snap hook of claim 8, further comprising: a first biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate holding portion to be held by the at least one catch in the nose portion of the body when the gate is in the closed configuration; and a second biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate to bias the gate in the closed configuration.
 14. A snap hook comprising: a body having a generally hook shaped mid portion positioned between a nose portion and a connection portion, the nose portion terminating in a nose end, the body further having an opening positioned between the nose end and the connection portion, the nose portion including at least one slot that forms a hook portion including at least one catch; a gate having a first end pivotally coupled proximate the connection portion of the body and a second end configured and arranged to be received in the at least one slot of the nose portion of the body to selectively close the opening to the inner edge of the body, wherein the gate is in a closed configuration when positioned across the opening and in an open configuration when the opening is at least partially unobstructed by the gate, the gate including a gate holding portion, the gate holding portion configured and arranged to be selectively held by the at least one catch in the nose portion to lock the gate in the closed configuration, the at least one catch positioned to obstruct the gate holding portion when the gate is locked in the closed configuration; a trigger having a first end pivotally coupled to the body, the trigger operationally coupled to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch when activated to unlock the gate from the nose portion of the body; and at least one biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force to retain the gate holding portion in the nose portion of the body by the at least one catch when the gate is in the closed configuration.
 15. The snap hook of claim 14, further wherein the trigger is operationally coupled to move the gate towards the nose portion of the body when activated to move the gate holding portion to clear the at least one catch.
 16. The snap hook of claim 14, wherein the at least one biasing member further comprises: a first biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force on the gate to bias the holding portion in the at least one slot; and a second biasing member positioned to assert a biasing force to retain the gate holding portion in the nose portion of the body by the at least one catch when the gate is in the closed configuration.
 17. The snap hook of claim 14, further comprising: a locking member pivotally coupled to the body, the locking member being operationally coupled to the trigger, the locking member further pivotally coupled to the gate. 